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Seasonal Affective Disorder: More Than Just Winter Blues

By Genomind

During this time of year, many people report feeling down due to the change in weather. However, some people struggle specifically with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – a subtype of depression related to the change in seasons.

Seasonal depression is most likely to occur in the fall and winter, when the weather is cooler and the days are shorter than in the summer – it’s much more common in northern areas where there is less daylight. In some cases, people will experience SAD in the spring and summer.

Here are three important things to know about SAD.

1. Seasonal Affective Disorder is more common than you think.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, around 4 to 6 percent of people in America suffer from the seasonal depression. Additionally, another 10 to 20 percent may have a milder form of the disorder.

However, people struggling with SAD specifically can also experience a few different symptoms. According to Mental Health America, SAD symptoms include the following:

Low energy

Extreme mood changes around changes in seasons

Oversleeping and difficulty staying awake

Overeating and specific cravings for carbohydrates

Desire to avoid social situations

3. There are a variety of treatment options.

The most common treatments prescribed for SAD include medication, light therapy, and psychotherapy. Often, a combination of these can work best for patients. Light therapy is a treatment unique to those who struggle with seasonal depression, as it uses light boxes with artificial light to try and replace some of the sunshine people aren’t exposed to in the fall and winter.

Finding the right treatment can tremendously increase quality of life for those affected with Seasonal Affective Disorder. Antidepressants can often help people struggling with seasonal depression – however, some people need to try various medications or dosages before they find a treatment that works for them. If you or someone you know is struggling with SAD or with their current psychiatric treatment, read here to learn more about the Genecept Assay and find resources that will help you speak to your doctor about whether it might help to personalize treatment so you can feel better.